Alzheimer’s is a degenerative brain disease that is caused by complex brain changes following cell damage. It results in dementia symptoms that gently worsen over time. Alzheimer’s may be a chronic neurodegenerative disease that sometimes starts slowly and gradually worsens over time. It is the explanation for 60–70% of cases of dementia. The most common early symptom is difficulty in remembering recent events. As Alzheimer’s advances, symptoms get more severe and include disorientation, confusion and behaviour changes. Eventually, speaking, swallowing and walking become difficult.

Though the best known risk factor for Alzheimer’s is increasing age, the disease isn't a normal a part of aging. And though most of the people with Alzheimer’s are 65 and older, approximately 200,000 people under 65 have younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease.

Dementia is not a normal part of aging. It is caused by damage to brain cells that affect their ability to communicate, which can affect thinking, behaviour and feelings.

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